The nighttime peace erupted in battle cries as beings charged into the melee, and the town guards from the valley appeared from the opening gate. Jay led them in his impressive form of a screaming orc, tusks glinting, his face feral with bloodlust, as he pounded towards the nearest gnoll, who was appearing in a tent entrance. He didn't slow as he powered his fist into its jaw, carrying it back inside.
Other beings followed, screaming and shouting as more enemies appeared. Arrows rained down on the enemy from Darren and his rangers, as well as others who had entered the gate. Spells zipped through the air from the few mages they had in their force. Lorna and Zej led the charge from the forest's edge. Lorna cut towards the gnolls, who continued to stagger from their tents, while Zej sprinted as fast as his armour-clad body would allow towards the lizards, 'Betty', his warhammer, held high. Patch and his pack members streaked around him to harry the lizards.
SJ flew above the carnage and kept watch as the battle unfolded. Fas had stepped from the wall, appearing by a tent entrance as a gnoll appeared. His sword flashing as it fell away, screaming. She noticed Fas's face twist in pain; he was still suffering from his injury, his actions not as fast as she had witnessed before.
The draconians leapt from their tents, sabres glinting in the moonlight, as they tore towards their mounts. It was as the first from the forest neared that the night sky erupted in light.
Aletheia glowed, her whole body a brilliant white, as she strode calmly forward. SJ could see Lythonian attempting to urge her, but she strolled, not once breaking her slow, steady approach. SJ watched in awe as light swirled around Aletheia; it encased her, with only the occasional glint of her vibrant eyes showing through.
Zej reached the draconians as they neared where their lizard mounts were reined. Which now hissed and spat angrily, their reins attached to wooden stakes in the earth. One of them threw its head back, the stake tearing free as it turned towards the attackers.
Zej brought Betty round in a vicious sweeping blow at a draconian. Its sabre flashed in a defensive parry. Zej was at a much lower level than his target, but it didn't stop his pure hatred spilling forward as the draconian's blade sparked as their weapons met. As a pulse of brilliance flew out in a concentric ring from Aletheia. Not into the sky, but around her in an expanding ring. It flashed across the area, startling attackers and defenders alike as it passed.
It was only after it reached where the lizards were that its true effect took hold. Their initial spitting and hissing immediately turned to screams or shrieks of terror as the other two, still held by posts, ripped them from the ground.
Their heads were violently shaking, and their jaws were snapping. A draconian reached its mount attempting to grab the reins. The lizard bit down through its rider's arm. The draconian screamed in agony as it fell back with its bloodied appendage.
Whatever Aletheia had just done had caused absolute terror in the lizards. A lizard lifted onto its hind legs before bringing its forelegs crashing back to the ground, the vibration making two close-by town guards stumble as they neared.
There was so much going on within SJ's vision that she was struggling to keep up with everything going on around her. In what had only felt like moments of the battle beginning, the ground near the gate was already littered with crying bodies, from both sides.
A putrid purple flame shot from between two of the tents, and SJ spotted a gnoll who must have been a shaman, its hands outstretched as it moved its flame towards three guards approaching it. Two could not move in time, caught in its path, and the third only just scrambled to safety as the air filled with the ungodly smell of burning flesh and singed hair.
Those the flame hit writhed in agony, purple flames still caressing their bodies. It was unholy and grim. SJ flew across the area, swooping down quickly as she did, aiming for the shaman. At the last moment, remembering the shield the previous one had used, she pulled short, landing and growing before thrusting towards its back with her claws.
She grimaced, expecting a shock, but to her surprise, there was no resistance as her claws dug deep. The gnoll roared in pain as it spun, still casting its flame, attempting to sweep it towards her. In doing so, it caught several others in its path with its wild movements, capturing friend and foe alike.
As the shaman turned, a bolt of brilliant blue flashed from the sky above. Kibble had arrived, his lightning hitting the gnoll shaman's fur-covered head. As the lightning coursed across its body, its spell failed, the stench of burnt hair even stronger as it caught fire.
Seeing a nearby gnoll with its side to her, SJ didn't pause as she triggered her Shadow Step, taking it by surprise as it struggled to parry her blow, as a member of the town guard attacked. The distraction was all the guard needed to land a telling blow, and SJ immediately shrank, lifting back into the air.
As SJ lifted above the battle, she spotted a draconian rider prevail as it lashed out at its mount, striking it with its sabre, cursing, before heaving itself onto its back. The lizard thrashed beneath it as it fought for control.
Three others were supporting Zej as they continued to fight his target, pushing it back as it desperately fought for its survival. Unfortunately, he was the closest to the now calmer lizard and became its primary focus as it lunged forward, jaws snapping. Zej thrust Betty up in defence as its head came down; the warhammer disappeared into its gaping jaws. As it bit down, its teeth grating against the plate armour screeched, like a knife scratching a plate.
SJ cried in shock as Zej was lifted from the ground and flung across the field, as the warhammer disappeared. He landed heavily in his plate armour, where he lay still. The roar which followed could be heard above most as Lythonian had seen his friend be cast like a rag doll as he sprinted forward from Aletheia's side, his white robes of the church whipping behind him as shield and mace appeared in his grasp.
With a grunt, he smashed his much smaller form into the head of the lizard with his shield. The lizard turned its attention to its new attacker. The draconian on its back was shouting orders at the lizard, its salivating jaws snapping angrily as Lythonian was thrown backwards from its strike.
A flash of blue shot forward across the field; this time, it wasn't Kibble but an arrow from Darren's bow, his ability to imbue his arrows with a similar lightning effect. The arrow struck the draconian in its thigh as the lizard thrashed. The lightning cascaded over the draconian's body and the lizard alike. The draconian shook violently as the shock loosened its grip, and it slipped from the mount's saddle.
As soon as the lightning faded from the lizard as its rider fell, it turned and scuttled away. All three lizards were now backing away from the immediate area as a second pulse soared across the battlefield, temporarily blinding SJ with its brilliance. Aletheia continued on her path toward them; no other beings appeared to step in her way as her ethereal glow shone. The power that she emitted made SJ shudder.
The fight raged on, beings fighting for survival against each other. As the town guard slowly moved the battle in their favour. Without the lizard and draconian support they were used to, SJ noticed several beginning to back away. The town guard didn't stop, though, in their fervour to rid the town of their attackers. Several more moments passed amidst the chaos as SJ took several opportunities to strike before the tide eventually broke.
She saw the first beginning to flee across the meadow, heading back in the direction of the town, then others turned as well, as several gnolls started to flee.
"We can't let them escape," Lorna roared as SJ saw her body shuddering as she transformed. Her giant weretiger form sprinted after the fleeing gnolls. SJ gave chase, as did several others. Fas, using the night, was moving swiftly after them and blinked into existence in front of the two as he brought his twin blades around, cutting them down. SJ noticed that the being furthest from the fight was one of the draconian riders, and she flew as fast as she could behind it to catch up, then Shadow Stepped.
She grew, triggering her skill; the effect was dramatic as she shot forward, claws extended, plunging into the thigh of the fleeing being. The speed she hit it knocked the sense from her momentarily; her vision filled with stars. Her blades had torn through its leg. The draconian bellowed in pain as it lashed out at her. In a half-haze, she triggered her Void Grasp, its arm freezing mid-motion, a dagger that would have otherwise struck SJ paused mid-thrust. The draconian crashed onto the ground as its limbs locked up, with SJ continuing over it and rolling across the dirt.
The timer ticked down on the skill, and SJ rushed to push herself upright and attack before it recovered. Its eyes widened as she lunged, burying her blades, ending its life. SJ collapsed, rolling off her prey, breathing heavily; her health had taken a hit from the impact. Flying while performing Shadow Step had hurtled her faster than a speeding arrow into her victim's leg.
She pushed herself upright, groaning as she noticed the final gnoll that had attempted to flee being shaken in Lorna's powerful jaws.
The battle had ended, and the lizards were penned away from the area by Aletheia, who stood like a statue staring at them. Patch and his pack padded back and forth around them, adding to their misery. The three lizards hissed where they were backed up towards the forest's edge, clawing at their heads as though something was burning them. Their scales appeared darker as Aletheia stood looking over them. Aletheia's glowing form had dimmed, but still held a glimpse of its previous glory, and didn't diminish the presence she held.
Cristy came sprinting to where SJ was standing.
"Are you okay?" Cristy asked with concern.
"I'm fine," SJ said, shaking her head again to clear the stars that blotched her vision.
SJ looked back across the meadow. "Zej!" She suddenly remembered the lizard had bitten her friend.
"Lythonian's healing him," Cristy said. "He's shaken but will heal."
Relief filled SJ as Lorna padded over to where they stood, her teeth and white bib now crimson. She stopped before transforming back into her humanoid form.
"We did it," Lorna said, her breathing heavy.
"This is the first stage," Darren said as he walked over. Behind Darren, back towards the gate, several of the gnolls were now kneeling where the town guard had them surrounded. Many had lost the will to fight once the last draconian had fled, no longer under the threat from their would-be masters.
"These gnolls aren't conquerors; they are pawns of the draconians," SJ spat angrily. She felt pity for them now that the battle had ended. "Next step, we need to take the town."
The next couple of hours passed quickly as the sun rose. Several had lost their lives on both sides, and the bodies were respectfully gathered as Lythonian oversaw them, offering prayers to the gods. The sun brought with it an unusual chill as the scope of the battle became clearly visible. The torn-up ground and stained earth, shattered remains of the gnoll encampment strewn around.
Alice had arrived from the valley, with several of the others, but not all; they would not be as forthright as thinking they could hold the gate if the draconians came with more lizards, or brought their dreaded giant beetles.
Killic sat a couple of hours south of the gate. The battle sounds or light would never have reached them, so for now they had relative safety. The problem was they did not know, whether or how often the troops might change. Would supplies be brought? Would the draconian riders switch? There was too much uncertainty.
"For now, we clean up and leave a scouting group only. The gate may be ours, but we need to be cautious," Alice said.
"Now that the guard force is all together, or those outside of the town, we must remain on this side of the gate. If the enemy reclaim it, we can't be in the valley."
"I agree," Darren said. "We only managed to take them so easily because of the surprise. They never expected us to attack from within the plateau."
Alice nodded in understanding.
"The only clear route for the lizards to reach the crags is through the main forest trail the coaches use. There is no other suitable path otherwise, so watching for movement should be straightforward. I have already sent out scouts and will stagger them along its length to ensure we get advanced warning," Darren added.
"I'm impressed with Darren's tactical understanding," Dave said, genuinely surprised.
'He isn't stupid,' SJ thought.
"He could have fooled me."
'He obviously did then, didn't he?' SJ snarked back.
"Whatever," Dave replied.
"What shall we do with the prisoners?" Lorna asked, turning to Alice.
"We can't execute them. I know many might wish for it, but I can't authorise such an act. Zigferd may think differently, but I doubt it," Alice said.
"No, he wouldn't," SJ said. "And you know so. He wouldn't wish them any harm other than what they have already suffered. We can all agree that they aren't here by choice."
Alice smiled at her friend. "You're right. We will have them taken to the valley. They can be held at the main encampment; we don't require guards to monitor them. There will be enough volunteers to watch them."
Fas was sitting quietly to one side, his injury still niggling him as he shifted uncomfortably.
"Will you go and speak to Lythonian?" SJ huffed as he winced again.
He started looking at her before rolling his eyes and heading over. "Yes, Mum," he muttered as he walked away.
"I heard that," SJ called as the others chuckled.
SJ shook her head in disbelief, but the small comment had brought them the first levity since the battle. It felt good. They chatted casually for several minutes before Lorna returned to their current predicament.
"How long until the forces from Wystria arrive?" Lorna asked Alice.
"I'm not sure. The message from Petunia was that it wouldn't take them long. I'm not sure what she meant by that, as we know the journey is four days by coach. I suppose cavalry or similar could do it faster, maybe two and a half, possibly three, if they pushed."
"Do we know who is coming?" SJ asked.
"No. Nothing was stated, just that troops are on their way and we will know when we see them."
"That's a little cryptic," Lorna said.
"Typical divine theatrics. Bet it's paladins," Dave said.
"It is Petunia," SJ shrugged. "She does things her way, and I don't believe anyone will ever change her."
Alice could only smile and nod in agreement. "You're right there."
Lythonian walked over. "How are Fas and Zej?" SJ asked.
"He will be fine. He had a mild infection from what I could tell from the bite he had received. I have cast a purification spell on him, so it should clear up quickly enough. Zej will take some time to heal; his arm was broken. I have healed it as best as I can, but my healing isn't at the same level as others for dealing with breaks." Lythonian said.
"He needs to go down to the encampment with the others," SJ said.
"I already told him, but he is refusing. You could go and try and talk some sense into him if you wish?"
"What is it with the males of our races?" SJ said as she stood.
Alice, Lorna, and Cristy chuckled while Darren frowned.
When SJ reached Zej, Jay was with him. The pair of them were sharing their stories from the battle.
"Hey, you two?" SJ smiled. She had had little time to catch up with many of her friends.
"Hi, SJ," Jay said.
"Lythonian sent you, didn't he?" Zej grumbled.
"Yes, and you know what you are doing, don't you?"
Zej scowled. "I'm not a dwarfling, I know what I'm capable of."
"And I'm the town's ambassador and am ordering you to go to the valley and rest."
"You can't pull that card on me!" Zej complained.
"Watch me. I've seen enough heartache these past few days to be worrying about you as well."
Zej muttered under his breath.
"What was that?"
"Alright," he griped. "I'll go to the damn valley."
"Good," SJ said. "Have you seen Gary at all?" SJ hadn't seen Gary since returning to Killic.
They both shook their heads.
"So, he wasn't in the valley?"
"I never saw him, and if he had been there, Lorna would have been using him," Jay said.
A chill ran down SJ's spine. If he wasn't in the valley, there was only one other place he could be, and she hadn't seen him amongst the captives or the others in the jail yard. She could only hope he had been in one of the cells.
"Don't worry. I'm sure he's fine," Jay said.
SJ only hoped he was.
